Barbara Blomberg — Complete eBook

Do not suppose that it is blind partiality when I
say that few handsomer lads could be found in all
King Philip’s dominions. His figure is slender
and only slightly above middle height; but how erect
and noble is his bearing, how symmetrically his pliant
form is developing! His delicately cut features
and large blue eyes glow with the bold courage which
fills his soul, and which he displays in riding, hunting,
and fencing. He still has his wealth of fair,
waving locks. Among a thousand other boys no one
will overlook him. Don Luis, too, admits that
he was born to dignity and honour. Every chivalrous
and royal virtue is in his blood. Even his mother
could not sully it.”

Here Frau Traut paused to look at Barbara, who had
listened, panting for breath.

She was sorry that she had not omitted the last sentence,
but in the zeal of translating it had unconsciously
escaped her lips, and, as she found no softening word,
she went on:

“Geronimo has become a dear child to me.
He thinks that I am his own mother, and clings to
me with filial affection. To lead such a son to
this august father was the greatest joy that Heaven
has bestowed upon me.

“Dressed as my page, he rode with me to Jarandilla
to meet his Majesty. He was to present to the
imperial master, of whose near relationship he had
no idea, a little basket filled with beautiful oranges
from our garden in Villagarcia, which you know.

“The young horseman, who understands how to
wheel his steed, swung himself from the saddle close
beside his Majesty, bent the knee with noble grace,
raised his little plumed hat, and, pressing his left
hand upon his heart, presented the little gift to
his sovereign and master. As the weather was
mild, the latter sat in an open sedan chair, and when
he saw Geronimo he scanned him with the keen glance
of the ruler, and then looked inquiringly at my husband.
Don Luis nodded the answer which he desired to receive,
and a bright smile flitted over his emaciated, corpselike
features. Then he accepted the oranges, stroked
his son’s curls, addressed a few questions to
him, which he answered modestly but aptly, and then
called to my husband, ‘This boy must remain near
me.’

“Oh, what pleasure all this gave me! Now
Geronimo goes in and out of his Majesty’s apartments
freely, and my reason for writing this letter is an
incident I happened to witness, and which will please
you, Adrian, and your good wife, as it filled my heart
with fervent gratitude. So listen: When
the Emperor meets Geronimo in the presence of strangers,
he seems to take neither more nor less notice of him
than of the other pages who come to San Yuste.
Only he often calls him, asks a question, or gives
him some trivial commission. Others would scarcely
notice it, but I see the brightening of his eyes as
he does so.